Merry Christmas to All Our Family and Friends!!!!

David, and Gavin Poulsen, Sam and James Mason, Boone Poulsen and little Rose Mason
is Mary. We were happy to share this sweet scene via google chat.

Another picture from our trip to the world's largest Christmas store, Bonner's Christmas Wonderland. While we were there I picked up a little brochure that had such a good message that I wanted to share it. "When the angel announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, the personal importance of His coming was emphasized. Luke 2:10-11 'And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.' Have you ever thought that it was for you the Saviour was born? Do you realize that when God sent His Son into the world, He sent Him to become your Saviour?...Yes, it was for you that Jesus came. " .....(by Dr. Willard M. Aldrich)

This was our very first Christmas with just the two of us in the forty five years that we have been married. I would be lying if I said I wasn't lonely for my family, but we really did have a lovely day. We had more time to think about the true meaning of Christmas; I love Jesus Christ so much and am so grateful for His birth and His atoning sacrifice for all of us.

Craig and I had our own fondue party Christmas Eve and, because we are such creatures of habit, we had our own little program which was me sharing a Christmas thought and then Craig reading the Christmas story out of Luke. We then hooked up with the Clovis bunch and watched their Christmas Eve dinner and program via Google video chat. It was wonderful and we got to chat with some of our children and grandchildren, listen to Ian recite a scripture, Michael play the clarinet, James play the french horn, Gavin share his origami talents, Seth at the piano while he and Connor sang "O Holy Night", witness the annual live nativity scene, and all the other wonderful Christmas activities that were going on. We almost felt like we were there. Technology made being away from our family so much easier as we were able to see or talk to all of our children and it has been wonderful. We are also so grateful for all the cards and letters from friends and family.

Because most of the MSU students are gone during the break, we have been able to start getting prepared for next semester's classes. We are also cleaning out closets, and organizing the kitchen at the institute getting ready for a very busy next semester.

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

The Christmas tree in our humble little apartment. As you can see, our family has taken good care of us as far as presents go. We will miss our annual family Christmas get together, but will try to share with our kids and grandkids courtesy of iPhones and Skype. What a wonderful time of year as we again celebrate the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We miss very much not only our family but all of our wonderful friends, and wish for each of you a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with peace and happiness.

Last Saturday, on our preparation day, we drove to Frankenmuth, MI. which is up in the "thumb", near Saginaw. It is a Bavarian themed town, settled in the mid 1800's by a group of Lutheran missionaries. One of the big attractions there is Bronner's Christmas Wonderland. It is 8 acres of CHRISTMAS ! They have in the huge store over 600 kinds of nativity scenes from many countries, and over 5000 different Christmas tree ornaments for sale! Fun place to jump start the Christmas spirit. We walk most mornings - unless the temps are single digits or below - on the MSU campus and along the Red Cedar river, which flows behind our apartment and through the campus. Whoops...did I say "flow"? Until spring, any water movement is below the ice and snow, as the river is mostly frozen over. Beautiful sight, though!

Weather Report: 14 Degrees Feels Like -1 F

We got our first big snow storm today and it was quite a storm. I looked out the window at church and it was not only snowing, but the wind was blowing the snow all over. I really do understand now about those coat closets in churches---people actually use them! It is super cold here, but so gorgeous. It felt like Christmas morning when we woke up this morning and looked out our bedroom window and saw everything covered in a blanket of snow. (I worried for the little squirrel I saw clawing at the snow covered ground looking for something to eat.)

We had another baptism in our ward after church today and we also had one last Saturday--two really wonderful young people. The ward mission leader organized both baptisms and they were so well organized and very spiritual.

The young people in the ward never cease to amaze me. Today the elder's quorum president so gingerly helped a new deacon pass the sacrament for the first time. It was touching to watch as the new deacon is completely blind. We have another student who is blind in our ward and everyone is so helpful to her as well. Her name is Jo and she lives in the apartment here in the Living Center and lives independently. Our dear friend Michelle, who is a student here at MSU, told Jo that she would give her a ride to the airport in Detroit. Thinking it over, Michelle realized it would probably cost her about $40 dollars to take Jo to the airport with gas and lunch not to mention the time it would take and the hassle of the airport. (Michelle works at a local convenience store so I am sure money is tight.) Michelle found out that she could get a shuttle for Jo which would only cost $30, which Michelle paid for it. She didn't stop there. Michelle then called the airport to make sure someone would be available to assist Jo with checking in etc. when she arrived at the airport. What a dear sweet person Michelle is and Craig always says she reminds him of our Heather. These young people continue to teach us a lot about being Christlike. We are looking forward to a wonderful holiday season.

A Joyous Season begins....

Last night the Lansing Stake had an event prior to the Salt Lake First Presidency Devotional. It included many choir numbers celebrating our Savior's birth, performed by the Childrens Choir, the Youth Choir, and the Adult Choir. It was excellent, accompanied by a pastoral symphony comprised of organ, piano, flute, oboe, cello, viola and violin. We have some amazing musical talent in our Ward among the MSU students. There was also a display of many creche's and, finally, a living nativity by the University Ward. What a great way to start this season of gratitude for the birth of the Savior. btw that is a real live baby being held by Mary...he was calm and restful for the entire presentation!

When Karen and I headed out for our morning walk, about 7 AM, it was "24 degrees, feels like 13". That's code for adding in the wind chill (locals call it "lake effect") factor. We made it about a mile and decided it was time to get smart. Brrrrr!

Good bye Thanksgiving and Hello Christmas!

All the beautiful trees outside our apartment are now bare. It is getting super cold too!!
The Dessert Table

I can't believe it is already the Christmas season. We even put up a little Christmas tree in our apartment yesterday so we are all set. We continue to be so blessed on our mission. I took my damaged iPhone to the Apple Store to see if we could get it repaired and they GAVE me a new phone to replace my shattered back iPhone. (I didn't buy the insurance plan when I purchased the phone.) Then after leaving the Apple Store, we were at a stop light and a car ran into the back of our car, hitting us pretty hard. The police came. The paramedics came. The fire department came. The bad news, the guy that hit us took off. The good news, although Craig got hurt and had a lot of neck pain, within a few days he was fine and I didn't get hurt at all. Also when we got out to examine the damage to our car, we could not even find a scratch. Miracles do happen! I think we have angels watching over us.

We attended Zone Conference in Grand Rapids and had the opportunity to hear Elder Ringwood of the Seventy and his wife speak. It is the season of Thanksgiving and I especially liked this scripture Elder Ringwood quoted found in Alma 34:38 "That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you."

We hosted a Thanksgiving dinner here at the Institute for about 21 people and it was a fun day, but super busy. Our classes are going well and we continue to enjoy the young adults we serve here.

Been keepin' busy....

We went to the Detroit temple for our first time today with a group of our YSA folks. Had a wonderful time. A lengthy sealing session and then we all gathered at the "Original House of Pancakes" on Woodward Avenue (home of the annual "Woodward Ave Dream Cruise" for the car guys) for a great breakfast. Since our session was at 8:00 AM we had to leave Lansing at 6:00 AM to make it. Chilly and dark, but a great day. What an impressive bunch of young people! Big week coming up, with not only our usual teaching and prep schedule, District Meeting, CES Meetings - not to mention Friday lunch preparation - but also Zone Conference in Grand Rapids on Thursday....We will have a General Authority presiding so are really looking forward to it.

Last week we finally found an uncommitted evening, so walked to the Wharton Center on campus to see "Mary Poppins". It was SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPEALIDOCIOUS (sp)! Only about a 15 minute walk from our apartment, and a beautiful facility. There seems to be lots to do on campus and it doesn't hurt to live right across the street....

There are a couple sets of railroad tracks that cross campus - one is only about a block south of our apartment. You'd think the frequent train traffic would be kind of annoying, but we are really enjoying it. Mostly very long freight trains but some passenger as well. Kind of a reminder of living in Orland and hearing the "Shasta Daylight" go by at 5 AM every morning blowing it's horn and rattling our windows. Seriously, we really are liking it. Maybe it's because all us young kids like trains, right?

Been adding to our "lighthouse collection" as time permits. This is Little Sable Point light between Muskegon and Ludington on Lake Michigan. Built in 1874 and well preserved! Have I mentioned how beautiful Lake Michigan is? I understand it's water has been been quite warm

(like in the 70 degree range) recently, creating what the locals call "lake effect". That's code for some seriously interesting weather systems when the warm air from the lake meets the cold wind blowing down from the north across the lake.

This is a little hamlet on Lake Michigan north of Whitehall with a lot of Michigan charm!

In front of the lighthouse museum at the White River lightstation on Lake Michigan west of Whitehall. Very cool museum! Oh, yes...brisk air as well!

White River Lightstation. Oh yes...factoid for the day...last week we observed the anniversary of the sinking of the ore ship Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior near Whitefish Point in the mid '70's. Gordon Lightfoot's song about it was at the top of the charts for a long time. Imagine a 700 foot long ore ship taking a nose dive to the bottom in 529 feet of water, then breaking in half with about 200 feet of it still sticking up in the sky! A very interesting story, and still talked about in northern Michigan. There is a shipwreck museum on Lake Superior that I'm really looking forward to visiting some day.

Muskegon South Breakwater Lighthouse (1903)

It is Getting Cold!!

Every day before we leave the apartment, I check the temperature for Lansing, Half Moon Bay, Clovis, Salt Lake City, and New York City and we have been winning the prize lately for the coldest temperatures. We have been in the 20's last week so I guess winter is on its way. Yesterday we raked leaves for this lady as a ward service project I have never seen so many leaves and she had a HUGE yard. I can't remember the last time I raked leaves so it was lots of fun and the lady so appreciated our help, even fixed us hot apple cider. Her yard was gorgeous and went all the way to a beautiful little lake. She said it freezes over in the winter and invited us all back to go ice skating this winter. Michigan is such a fun state. Afterward we roasted hot dogs, etc. outside and it goes on record as being the coldest BBQ I have ever been to---even with a hat, cloves, and parka on, I was still freezing.

Loved hearing from all my children on my birthday and the fun surprises they sent me. One of the gifts Heidi and Heather sent me was a new apron. It is really adorable and I had to laugh at myself this past week as I was preparing for the lunch for Friday Forum. There I am in the kitchen cooking away in my dressy clothes with this frilly apron on and high heels. I looked just like the perfect 50's mom in the kitchen fixing dinner for the family.

The framed picture is one we purchased in Nauvoo as our birthday and anniversary presents to each other and a wonderful memory of such an amazing place! The picture is a touching reminder of our family's pioneer heritage.

Last week seemed to be super busy as we also needed to attend a Missionary Training Meeting with President Jones on Tuesday and Wednesday. The meetings were wonderful and once again, I am so impressed with the young elders and sister missionaries in this area. They all work so hard and we really learn so much from them. We also attended a baptism and gave away two Book of Mormons.

One of our craziest experiences, and a real first for both of us, was being ushered to the basement because of a tornado warning. (We are only used to earthquakes and tsunamis.) Elder Poulsen was just beginning to teach a class at Hillsdale College when someone opened the door and told us that we needed to vacate the classroom and go to a safe area. We had heard lots of sirens, but we didn't have a clue what was going on. We hung out in the basement hallway with a few hundred college students for about an hour until it was safe to leave.

A little side note. The picture of the trees at the top of our blog, really do look like this in the peak of the fall-----unbelievably gorgeous!!!

I was reminded of this profound quote today from Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun who worked among the poor in India most of her life: "If you judge people, you have no time to love them." May we all reach out in love and kindness to all.

District Meetings

We have the opportunity every week to meet with these darling young men. I am so impressed by how well organized they are and how dedicated these young missionaries are in teaching and leading one another. It is always a pleasure to meet with them. We really fit right in.

I Love the People of Michigan

A couple of weeks ago after we had been running errands, I notice I no longer had my cell phone. It was a sick feeling as I have so much information stored on that phone and it was also fairly new, and I really had no idea where I had lost it. We searched everywhere we had been asking if they had had an iPhone turned it at various lost and founds. The only thing I could think of was that it was on my lap and I may have dropped it when I got out of the car. My dear husband spent all hours of the night downloading programs that could track the phone's location, but with out success as we figured the phone now was dead. Two days later in the late evening we got a call from a man saying he had our phone. He and his wife had found it in the parking lot and because it had been run over by a car and looked like trash, their first thought was to throw it away. Then a light came on and they decided to keep it and try to find the owner. Neither one of them have a cell phone so they didn't know anything about the phone so they took the time to take it to an ATT store for help. At the store, they had it charged and checked the phone numbers which of course were all numbers out of the area, but they apparently decided to call Craig Poulsen because there were lots of calls to him. We immediately went to get my phone and I will be forever indebted to my two heroes, my two angels!!! I was horrified when I saw the phone, but it seemed to work and so I decided to take pictures of my new found friends, Dan and Linda Frayre. A new case to cover the back and my phone works as good as new. What a miracle! I love the kind people of Michigan!!!!!

Love Walking Through the Piles of Leaves as They Crunch Beneath My Shoes

The trees are slowly losing all their leaves and it really does feel like fall with brisk mornings and piles and piles of leaves everywhere. Craig and I walk early every morning and as you can see the sun is just barely starting to come up as we head up one of our favorite paths on campus. The young people here are wonderful and in general we have grown to love the people of Michigan. What a great place we have been blessed to serve.

We see this gorgeous tree in the woods when we look out our windows.
Saturday, the YSA Ward Relief Society had a great activity at a small cemetry that was once on the farm of Truman Rockwell called Foote-Rockwell Cemetery. We originally planned to take pictures of all the grave stones for findagrave.com , but I guess someone had already taken pictures at this cemetery so we spent our time seeing how much we could learn about the individuals buried here by the things that were on the gravestones. Honestly these girls are amazing and I really learned so much. Do check out findagrave.com as it is very interesting and helpful in finding records.


Brother Draut wants the Institute to be a home away from home for the students here so he ask me to warm up the building with some fall decorations. I love fall decorations so this has been a really fun assignment. We enjoy teaching the institute classes and cooking for the Friday Forum is a lot of work, but we so enjoy the young people here in Lansing. Even Elder Poulsen has got into cooking.


We have a great office in the Institute and we enjoy working with Brother David Draut who is the CES director in this area.


These are some pictures of our cozy little apartment. We especially love the view of the ever changing trees and the busy squirrels outside our windows. I also love the sound of the trains as they whistle in the distance each night.

...of Upers, Trolls and U Turns

We're learning some new language and driving skills here in Michigan. It turns out that in many intersections, to turn left, you first turn right, go about half a block, then make a u-turn. Go figure! Then, it seems that in order to give someone else directions to a town, you hold your right hand up, palm out, thumb extended - then it looks JUST like the lower Michigan peninsula. Then you just point. For example, last Saturday we went to Port Austin at the "tip of the thumb", which about 120 miles from Lansing, which is about mid-palm! AND it looks like folks on the lower peninsula refer to those on the upper peninsula as "Upers" (say "yoopers"), and they refer to folks on the lower peninsula as "Trolls".

That's the culture lesson for today....

Happy 45th Wedding Anniversary to Us!!

Little did Craig and I know of the adventures in life we would share on that wedding day 45 years ago. We have shared so many wonderful memories and we intend to share many more adventures in our life. Right now we are loving our mission and so enjoy getting to know the wonderful young people in this area.
One thing I didn't know was how much cooking we would be doing. Good thing I love to cook and Elder Poulsen, who knows very little about cooking, is really getting into the act. Every Friday we have what is called Friday Forum and the students come for lunch and then attend an institute class. I think we have from around 25 give or take. We plan and prepare the lunch each week. Here is a picture of our potato bar from this past week's lunch.
We seem to be super busy with preparing and teaching classes and going to various meetings, but our favorite part is getting to know and work with the young people. I had an especially wonderful experience last week during my devotional class gettngi to know a young medical student who attends class and isn't a member of the church. His name is Ven.
Saturday before conference, we did have an opportunity to take a drive to see the beautiful foliage which actually is everywhere and honestly I couldn't stop taking pictures. Words or pictures cannot describe how beautiful and vibrant the colors are. We made it as far as Lake Michigan which actually looks like the ocean. The weather has been unusually warm, so that has been a bonus too as everyone who finds out we are from California says, "Just wait until winter!"
We are doing fine in our apartment and we are fixing it up so it feels more like home. We feel a little like newlyweds fixing up our first apartment. (The difference is we are smarter and have more money to buy what we need.)
We had stake conference last night and today and it was wonderful. I really like this particular scripture that President Jones of the Michigan Lansing Michigan quoted, "And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath sent his angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their souls." Helaman 5:11

Fall is in the air...and the pumpkin moon is rising!

It's getting cool and the leaves are starting to change in the beautiful Michigan countryside. Even the pumpkin moon is visible! Plenty of "proper" barnes, and the tractors and harvesters are way cool. I taught yesterday again at Hillsdale College in southern Michigan and I took the scenic way home - actually, every way is scenic here. Karen remained at the Institute to do the Devotional. Today both Karen and I taught separate classes in the Institute. I went to the Missionary district meeting this morning. Tomorrow we are going to the Cooley Law School in Lansing (not a part of MSU) where we will teach a class and then we'll start preparing for the Friday Forum. We are finding time (7:00AM) to walk a couple miles each morning, but it's starting to get pretty brisk out! This is truly a lovely place and we are meeting a lot of very special young folks. They seem kind of evenly split between undergrads and graduate students (in addition to grad programs, there is a law school as well as a medical school at MSU). We're having a great time and starting to get into a more settled routine. Not bad for only being here a week and a half!